How To Handle Units With Odd Size Dimensions

This article discusses special considerations for oddly sized units.

Every once in a while you'll encounter a unit where either the width or height will be an odd number. On occasion, a publisher will veer from the IAB standard and cook up a custom spec that specifically fits their design.

The problem with odd numbers, like a 970x125, is that video compression only works at a 2,4,8,16 modulus. In plain English, that means that all video compression only works off of even numbers.

When you run into an odd size, sometimes a little extra consideration is required if your creative has full edge bleeds or other special design considerations. If your creative tool is capable of exporting a true odd size video (Adobe AfterEffects can do this), then you should be able to build your Addroid ad as usual.

If your creative tool cannot export an oddly sized video, then you will need to take a different approach. For example, Adobe Photoshop will automatically change your 970x125 source file into a 970x126.mp4 file.

As an example, if you're asked to build a 970x125 follow these steps.

In After Effects, build the video at one pixel taller: 970x126

Make sure your spare pixel is at the bottom of the video and leave it black (i.e. not part of the action)

In Addroid, create a unit like you normally would

In the banner, settings make the size 970x125 (the final dimensions)

Upload your 970x126 video

Create start/end frames truly to size (970x125) in Photoshop, save as JPG then import into Addroid

Click SAVE BUILD

What you'll see is that Addroid is scaling your 970x126 video to fit the actual dimensions required by the publisher (970x125). If you choose the 'Generate Frames' option, you will notice some black bars around the frames. Because of this video workaround, you will need to create your frames outside of the Addroid platform.